Hall of Shame

Last night's defeat might have been hard to take, but Liverpool fans may find the smallest crumb of comfort in the fact that in the past it has been much, much worse.

Liverpool's worst defeat in any competition was by 9-1, away to Birmingham in December 1954; bubbling under that disaster are an 8-0 defeat at Huddersfield and 8-1 away to Arsenal, both in 1934-35.

Worryingly, though, when the Reds lose big they tend to lose big again. On November 28 1914 they lost 6-3 at home to Aston Villa, then lost the return on April 3 1915 6-2. On October 26 1929 Liverpool lost 6-1 at home to Manchester City, and on April 19 Sunderland set a record when they won 6-0 at Anfield.

Rafael Benítez's men have nine home games left this season, unless they beat Barcelona in the Champions League. That schedule includes Arsenal again, on March 31.